Maine's Angus King, one of two independents serving in the Senate, is endorsing two colleagues on Friday: New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Maine Republican Susan Collins.

Collins, who lost to King in the 1994 gubernatorial race, is a solid favorite for re-election, despite the fact President Barack Obama carried Maine by double digits in both 2008 and 2012.

"I think she's one of the Senate's MVP's — smart, tough, and always willing to listen," King said in a statement shared with CQ Roll Call. "In my book, she's a model senator and I'm delighted to support her re-election."

Despite Collins' advantage, the endorsement, which was first reported by the Associated Press, is nonetheless noteworthy because King caucuses with Senate Democrats. Collins is being challenged by Democrat Shenna Bellows, who released a statement Friday noting that King gave her a heads-up about his endorsement.

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King made a "thoughtful and independent decision," Bellows said.

Shaheen, who is being challenged by former Sen. Scott P. Brown, R-Mass., will appear with King this afternoon in Concord, N.H., to receive his endorsement, the campaign announced. Shaheen and King overlapped as governors of neighboring states for several years.